Non-halogen flame retardant polyolefin compounds via synergistic blends of metal hydroxides and mineral fillers

摘要

Fire performance and processing characteristics of polypropylene-based compounds containing metal hydroxides and synergistic mineral fillers have been investigated. Recent results indicate that partial replacement of magnesium hydroxide with certain conventional fillers maintains an acceptable level of FR performance, while enabling savings in formula cost. It was also found that a blend of magnesium hydroxide with aluminum hydroxide (1:2 ratio) provides improved FR properties compared to magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide alone. Since high levels of additive particulates needed to achieve the desired FR performance can present certain compounding and processing challenges, this paper will also address the rheological considerations of these synergistic blends.